Itanagar: The state government has suspended East Siang agriculture development officer (ADO) Nanung Sitang with immediate effect following her detention in connection with PSG WPS C. NO 18/24 under Sections 307 IPC, Section 14 of the Child Labour Act 1986, and Sections 75/79 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
An order issued by chief secretary Dharmendra dated June 02 stated that Sitang was taken into police custody on May 28 and held for more than 48 hours.
As per Sub-Rule (2) of Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1965, Sitang’s suspension is effective from the date of her detention and will remain in force until further orders, the order read.
The Pasighat District and Sessions Court had on Monday granted bail to ADO Sitang on “medical grounds”.
Sitang’s counsel pointed out her medical conditions in the court, including Hypothyroidism and Rheumatoid Arthritis and stated that it required intensive treatment and regular injections.
The court, accordingly, considered the medical grounds and noted that Sitang is now in judicial custody, with her police custody period over.
However, the court decided to grant bail on medical grounds under strict conditions.
The conditions include Sitang must not commit similar offenses while on bail, must not tamper with evidence, must avoid any communication with the victim or the victim’s family, and must not employ any minor as a maid until the trial’s completion.
Sitang must also furnish a cash bail bond of Rs. 20,000 and a local surety bond of Rs. 50,000.
With these conditions, the court granted Sitang bail, allowing her to continue her medical treatment. The case proceedings will continue, with Sitang required to cooperate with the investigation.
Sitang was arrested on May 28 for employing a 10-year-old girl as house help and subjecting her to continuous distressful and violent treatment.
Sitang faced charges of physically abusing the child, including allegedly pricking her with a knife, undressing her to beat her, and forcing her to sleep on the floor, even during the winter months.
Despite these traumatic experiences, the victim is now reported to be in stable condition.
Also read: ADO Nanung Sitang granted bail in medical grounds, state court order
